Trimmer-saw.



W. H. LIEBER.

TRIMMER SAW.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 6, 1914.

Patented Sept. 24, 1918.

.3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

W. H. LIEBER.

TRIMMER SAW.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 6. 1914.

,7 21 Patented Sept. 24., 1918,

3'SHEETSSHEET 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. LIEBER, OF WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOE IO ALLIS-CHALMERS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE,

4 TRIMMER-SAW.

Patented Sept. 24, 1918.

Application filed November 6, 1914. Serial No. 871,205.

To all whom. it may concern.

Be it known that I, \VILLIAM H. LIEBER, a citizen of the United States, residing at \Vest Allis, in the county of Milwaukee and State of lVisconsin, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Trimmer-Saws, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in the construction of saw mill machinery and particularly to improvements in apparatus for permitting control of a plurality of trimmer saws or similar devices, from a central point of control or operators stand from which the saws are visible.

An object of the invention is to provide a device for permitting universal control of a plurality of trimmer saws at the will of the operator, which is simplein construction and etlicient. in operation.

Some of the more specific objects are as follows:

To provide means for permitting either independent, selective or collective positioning of a plurality of trimmer saws.

To provide devices for permitting direct setting of the saws irrespective of their positions of prior setting.

To provide mechanism for auton'iatically setting all or any predetermined allotment of the saws, out of cutting position at a predetermined time.

To provide mechanism for simultaneously automatically setting all or any predetermined allotment. of the saws, out Of-cutting position and for disengaging the saw rotating means.

To provide means for permitting utilization of power for setting the saws, from the same source which rotates the saws.

To provide electrical appliances for .controlling the setting of the. saws either into or out of cutting position.

To provide devices for returning the individual controlling actuating devices to pre-.

determined positions.

To provide means'for retaining the controlling actuating devices out of normal position until the saws have been set, and then returning the actuating devices to normal position. v

To provide mechanism for preventing the saws from moving into cutting position when the controlling power fails.

To provide devices for permitting universal actuation of the saws with the expenditure of minimum manual power.

To eliminate all obstructions between the central point of control and the sawing table, which might otherwise interfere with the operators view of the saws.

To provide means for readily making the automatic saw raising appliances inoperative when it is desired to have the corresponding saws remain in the cut.

To provide a clutch mechanism which may be operated either mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically for connecting the saw setting mechanism with the actuating power.

To provide devices in a mechanically actuated trimmer saw mechanism, for cushioning the saws at the ends of the setting movements.

A clear conception of an embodiment of the invention may be had by referring'to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, in which like reference similar space between the operators stand and the trimmer table merely for ease of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing theelectric wiring connecting the actuating devices With the controlling devices. applied to a foursaw trimmer, the details of the mechanism being shown diagrammatically.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front view of a twelve-saw trimmer saw position controlling actuating device.

Fig. l is an enlarged end view, partly in section. of a trimmer saw position controlling'actuating device. showing the levers in normal or mid position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarget l. part sectional view of a clutch for moving the saws out of cutting position.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, part sectional View of the looking or clamping device for holding the saws out of cutting position.

F ig. 7 is an end elevation, partly in section, showing the general arrangement of another type of trimmer saw equipment and its saw controlling mechanism.

In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the saws are brought into cutting position by their own weight combined with that of the saw supporting arms and the elements bearing against these arms, and are raised out of cutting position by means of electrically controlled mechanical devices which receive their actuating power from the same source which rotates the saws. In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Fig. 7, the saws are brought into cutting position by means of electrically controlled mechanical devices which receive their actuating power from the same source which rotates the saws, and are moved out of cutting position by gravity.

7 The term collective as used in the pres ent description designates all of the saws controllable by the mechanism. The term selective designates a predetermined allotment or portion of the total number of saws commonly known as the slasher saws. The saws other than the selective saws are designated as intermediate saws. The collective saws therefore include both the selective or slasher saws'and the intermediate or nonslasher saws.

The ordinary trimmer saw equipment comprises a lumber conveying table 6 upon which the material to be trimmed is automatically fed toward the saws 1 by means of suitable conveying mechanism, see Figs. 1 and 7. The individual saws 1 are supported by arms 2 which swing upon stationary pivots 29 mounted on the mill framing 27.

The main power shaft Scarries a series of driving pulleys which are drivingly connected to the saw pulleys by means of suitable belts 9. The'location of the pivots 29 of the arms 2 is such that with the saws 1 in cutting position, the belts ,9 are taut, and with the saws 1 out of cutting position, the belts 9 are flexed and the driving connection with the shaft 3 is released. In the present instance, the main power shaft 3 is rotated by means of an electric motor 76 which is supplied with current from the main line 30.

Each of the individual saw positioning devices comprises a power actuated clutch 15 mounted upon a countershaft 4 carried by the mill framing 27, and a power controlled looking or clamping device 13. In the present disclosure the countershaft 4 is shown as being common to all of the saws and has mounted thereon a large pulley 81 which is connected by means of a belt 46 with a smaller pulley 82 on the main power shaft 3, see Figs. 1, 2 and 7. As the pulley 82 is considerably smaller than the pulley 81, the countershaft 4 will be rotated at a considerably slower speed than that of the power shaft 3.

The clutch 15, see Fig. 5, comprises a disk member 47 which is keyed to the countershaft 4 and carries a series of parallel pins 85 which extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the countershaft 4. The clutch member 48 has sockets which fit the pins 85 of the member 47, and is normally urged toward the disk member 47 by means of helical compression springs 51. The magnetic core 50 is mounted to freely rotate upon a wearing sleeve 83 which is fixed to the countershaft 4. The core 50 may be magnetized by means of current passed through a winding 49 from the collector rings 45. Upon energization of the windings 49, the magnetic core 50 attracts the clutch member 48, compressing the springs 51 and causing the member 48 to slide upon the pins 85, thereby forming a driving connection between the core 50 and the countershaft 4.

The clutch core 50 has a winding drum 84 at one end thereof, to which drum one end of the cable 16 is secured. The opposite end of the cable 16 is connected with one end of the rod 7, the other end of which is connected to the saw supporting arm 2. With this arrangement, if clockwise rotation is imparted to the magnetic core 50 as viewed in Figs. 1 and 7, the cable 16 and drum 84 will co operate to cause the rod 7, together with the parts attached thereto to move the corresponding saw 1 away from the conveying table 6; that is, out of cutting position.

The mill framing 27, see Fig. 1, is provided with brackets 17, one for each saw, which support the clamping devices 13. Each clamping device 13, see Fig. 6, consists of a pair of parallel pins 44 which extend through a frame 86 in a direction transversely of the rod 7. The pins 44- are cut away at their portions adjacent the rod 7 and are positioned so as to permit free movement of the rod therebetween when the frame :86 is perpendicular to the rod axis. If however, the frame 86 is disposed at an angle to the rod axis, as shown in Fig. 6, the pins 44 firmly grip the rod 7 and prevent movement thereof. The frame 86 in which. the pins 44 are mounted. is provided with an arm 87 to the free end of which a solenoid 14 is attached. The solenoid 14. see Figs. 1. 6 and 7, is movable vertically by means of a suitable winding which when energized will move the frame 86 so as to release the grip afforded by the pins 44 upon the rod 7. During. movement of the solenoid 14 and arm 87, the frame 86 swings about the end of the set screw 26 as a fulcrum. Proper adjustment of the clamping device 13 is attainable by means of the set screw 26 which may v movement of the rod 7 and its and locked into adjusted posmall relief opening 41 therethrou'gh. Midway between the end heads of the cylinder 10, there is an -opening.42 which leads to the atmosphere. If the rod 7 is moved suddenly in either direction, air which enters the space in advance of the piston through the opening 42, is confined and s igitly compressed by the piston after it has passed the opening 42. As the rod and piston are brought to rest, the confined compressed air.

gradually leaks through the small relief opening 41, thus providing a cushlon for saw in either direction. The cushioning device has been omitted from the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Fig. 7.

At a point directly above each cushioning device in the embodiment disclosed in Flg.

- 1, the rod 7 is provided with acollar. 11

which is fixed thereto. The collar 11 is located that with the corresponding saw 1 in its uppermost position, the collar engages a switch plate 12 which is normally urged toward its contacts bymeans of a helical com pression spring 43 the upper end of which reacts against a portion of the bracket 17. With the saw 1 in its uppermost position,

the collar 11 maintains the switch plate 12v away from its contacts, thereby breaking the circuit which may otherwise be established when the switch is closed, a condition which exists when the saw is in the cut.

In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 7 the rod 7 is provided with two collars 11 which the collar 11 is remote from the upper switchare fi-xedto the rod intermediate its ends. The upper collar his so located that w1th the corresponding saw l in cutting position,

plate 12, and with the saw 1 out of cutting position, the collar 11 engages the upper switch plate 12 and breaks the circuit controlled by the switch;

collar 11 engages the'lower switch plate'12 and breaks the circuit controlled by the switch. and with the' S2,W 1 out of cutting position, the lower collar 11 1s remote-from the lower switch plate 12; v

The lumber conveying means comprises a corresponding the embodiment 'upon the shaft 7 ed upon the levers.

The lower collar 11 is solocatcd that with the saw 1 in cutting position, the

adjacent the pivot the outer periphery portion of each lever, thereof, extends beyond of the conveyer chain 8. If however, a piece of lumber 18 is brought in'eontact with the chain periphery and adjacent lugs 19, the corresponding lever 20 is thrown into the position-in which the mid lever 20 is shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the weight of the piece of lumber 18'maintaining the lever in such position. When so positioned, the lever 20 has an end portion which lies within the path of a projection 21 formed upon a movable switch member and normally retained in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 7 by meansof a compressions ring 22. In the embodiment disclosed in F g. 1 there isa switch arm 23 connected by'means of a cross bar to a sec- 0nd switch arm 24. If the lever 20 is moved past the switch projection 21 when in the position indicated, the switch arm 23 momentarily leaves its contact and the switch arm 24 simultaneously engages its contact. In disclosed in Fig. 7 there is but one switch element 24 for each saw. If the lever 20 of this device is moved past the switch projection 21 when in the position indicated, the switch element 23 momentarily engages its contacts.

At the central point of control, which in the present case is the operators stand 28, there is located a saw position controlling actuating device 5 shown in detail in Figs. 3 and 4. This actuating device 5 comprises a plurality of. actuating levers 52, 53, 54, which are mounted to swing uponv a common fixed shaft; 58, which issupported in .bearings 59 mounteduponthe cover plate 61'.

surrounding the shaft 58 and having outwardly projec'ting ends which engage opposite sides of the stationary pins 56 mounted 58, and of the pins 57 mount- With this arrangement f a lever is thrown in one direction, one end of the cerresponding coil spring 55 engages the adjacent stationary pin and the other end of the spring engages the movable pin 57, thus tending at all times to urge the lever to its mid position and automatically returning the lever to normal position when released.

Below the shaft 58v and parallel thereto, a stationary shaft 67 is mounted in bearings 74 which are secured to the switch casing 62. The movable switch contact carrying arms 70, of which there is one for each lever. are pivotally mounted upon the shaft 67 and are normally retained in mid position by means of coil springs 71 surrounding the shaft 67 and having ends which coact with the stationary pins 69 secured to the shaft 67, and with the movable pins 68 secured to the adjacent contact carrying arms 70. The contact carrying arms 70, the main bodies of which are formed of magnetic material, are provided with movable contacts 72, 73, which are connected to the main line 30 by means of a wire 31. Adjacent the movable contact 72 and mounted upon the switch casing 62, there is located a stationary contact 6% which is connected in series with an elcctromagnet 63, also mounted in the switch casing 62. Adjacent the movable contact 73 and mounted upon the opposite side of the switch casing 62. there is located a stationary contact 65 which is connected in series with an electromagnet 66. also mounted in the switch casing 62. The switch casing 62 is preferably composed of suitable insulating material.

The arrangement of the contacts and magnets is suchthat if a lever 52, 53, 54, is moved in an anticlockwise direction, which movement corresponds to into cutting position the roller at the end of the projection 60 engages the rear of the movable contact 73 of the switch arm 70 and swings the arm 70 in a clockwise direction about the shaft 67. This movement of the switch arm 70 in a clockwise direction closes the circuit through the contacts 7 3, 65, and if current is on, energizes the magnet 66, causing the same to hold the switch arm 70 to the right with the contacts 73. 65, in engagement, until the magnet 66 is denergized or until the contacts 73. 65 are otherwise separated. As soon as the magnet 66 becomes deenergized or the contacts 7 3, 65, otherwise separated, the spring 71 returns the switch arm 70 to mid position and away from the contacts 73, 65. Upon movement of the lever 52 in a clockwise direction, which movement corresponds to out of cutting position the roller at the end of the projection 60 engages the rear of the movable contact 72 of the switch arm 7 0 and swings the arm 70 in an anticlockwise direction about the shaft 67. This movement of the switch arm 7 O in an anticlockwise direction closes the circuit through the contacts 72, 64, and if current is on, energizes the magnet 63, causing the same to hold the switch arm 72 to the left with the contacts 72, 64C in engagement until the magnet 63 is deenergizcd or until the contacts 72, 64: are otherwise separated. Upon deenergization of the magnet 63 or other separation of the contacts 72, 64, the spring 71 again returns the switch arm 70 to mid position.

In the device disclosed in Fig. 1, the movable contacts 72, 73 of the individual actuating devices are connected to the main line 30 which is supplied with current by a generator 7 5, by means of wires 31, see Figs. 1, 2 and 4. Each of the stationary contacts 64 is connected with one of the stationary contacts of the corresponding switch 12 by means of a wire 32. The second stationary contact of each switch 12 is connected with one ol the collector rings 45 ot' the corresponding electric clutch 15 by means of a wire 3!). The other collcctorring 15 of each clutch 15 is connected directly with the main line 30 by means of a wire 36. Each of the stationary contacts 65 .is connected with one contact of the corresponding switch arm 23, by means of a wire 33, the other contact of each switch being connected to the main line 30 by means of a wire 35. The sole noids' 1% lie in the circuits formed by the. wires 33, 35, and may be located in either of these connections.

In the device disclosed in Fig. 7, the movable contacts 72, 73 are likewise connected to the main line 30 by means of wires 31. Each of the stationary contacts 61 is connected with one of the contacts of the upper switch 12, the other contact of which switch is connected with the main line 30 through the energizing windings of the solenoid l-t. Each of the stationary contacts 65 is connected with one of the contacts of the lower switch 12, the other contact of which switch is connected with the main line 30 through the windings of the clutch 15.

Each switch 24 as disclosed in Fig. 1, has one of its contacts connected by means of a wire 37 to one of the contacts of the corresponding switch 12 through a portion of the wire As disclosed in Fig. 7 each switch 21 has one of its contacts connected directly to one of the contacts of the corresponding upper switch 12. The opposite contact of each switch 24: as disclosed in both Figs. 1 and 7 is connected to the main line by means of the wire 38, wire 34, and switch 25,

As shown in Fig. 2, the device for permitting collective control by simultaneously moving all of the saws either into or out of cutting position, which device will be designated as the master switch. is operable by means of a master lever 54, movement of which establishes a connection between the main line 30 and either all of the wires 32 or all of the wires 33 of the individual saws through wires 90, 91. By moving the lever 54. of the master switch in an anticlockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2 the switch arm 70 is thrown in a clockwise direction, establishing circuits from the main line 30, through each of the individual wires 33, 35, through the wires 90, 93. By moving the lever 54 of the master switch in a clockwise direction, the switch arm 7 O is thrown in an anticlockwise direction. establishing circuits from the main line 30 through each of the individual wires 32, 39, 36, through the wires 91'. 92.

The device for permitting selectivecontrol by simultaneously moving alternate saws.

.ter and slasher switches may be readily com- 55.

saws into and out of cutting position respectively, which device will be designated as the slasher switch, is operable by means I of a slasher lever 53, movement of which establishes a connection through the wires 31( wires 92, 93 being connected with the wire" 310 through the tilting lever of the switch arm. The tilting lever has mounted thereon conductive blocks located adjacent the lever ends and on opposite sides of the lever. The

conductive blocks are insulated from the" tilting lever as indicated by the heavy dividing lines, and with the slasher switch in normal position, the blocks connect the wires 90, 93 and 91, 92 through the two sets of terminals disclosed. The slasher lever 53 and switch arm corresponding thereto have no intermediate position as in the case of the other levers, the tilting lever either connecting the wire 310 with the wires 92, 93 as shown, or the conductive blocks connecting the wires 90, 93 and 91,92 when the switch arm has been automatically returned to its normal position. As shown, the first and third saws, counting from theleft of Fig. 2. are slasher saws, while the second and fourth are intermediate saws. By moving the lever 53 in an anticlockwise direction, the switch arm corresponding thereto is swung in a clockwise direction, establishing circuits from the main line 30 through the wires 33, 35 ot' the slasher saws through the wire 93 and through the wires 32, 39, 36, of the intermediate saws through the wire 92. In order to simplify the disclosure, only one set of saws 1 is disclosed as being oper-' able as slasher saws, but it will be readily apparent that by duplicating the contacts and connecting wires and making the slasher switch double throw, the intermediate saws may be made to serve as Slashers upon movement of the lever 53 in a clockwise direction. If so desired, the slasher saws'may be transformed into intermediates and the intermediate saws into slashers, by reversing the respective connections between the wires 92, 93, and the wires 32, 33, of the individual It should also be noted thatthe masbined if so desired.

During normal operation of the device, and at such times when only individual control of the saws 1 is desired, the master switch is inthe position shown in Fig. 2 and the individual control devices are free to be operated. The slasher switch should be located to the extreme left. thereby connecting the wires 90, 93 and 91, 92 through the conductive blocks on the tilting lever.

Referring specifically to the embodiment disclosed in F ig; 1, in order to move any one of the individual saws 1 into cutting position, it is necessary to move the lever 52 corresponding thereto,in an anticlockwise direotion, thereby permitting current to flow from the main line 30 through the wire 31, contacts 73, 65, magnet 66, wire 33, solenoid 14, switch 23-,and wire 35. Upon release by the operator, the lever 52 is immediately: returned to normal position by the spring 55. As the current flows through the magnet 66, the core thereof is energized and attracts the arm-70, holdingthe same to the right against the resistance of the spring 71. IUPOII energization of the solenoid 14 by the current, the core thereof moves upwardly, raising the projection 87 and frame 86 of the clamping device 13 and releasing the lock afforded by the pins 44 upon the rod 7. Upon release of the rod 7, the saw 1, due to the action of gravity thereon, moves downwardly toward the table 6. During the downward movement of the saw 1 and rod 7, the, collar 11 carried by the. rod permits the spring 43 to become efi'ective'in lowering the switch .12, thus eventually forming a connection between the wires 32, 39. As the saw approaches the limit of its downward movement, the cushioning device on the rod 7 gradually arrests the movement of the saw and permits'the: same to assume its final position without chattering. Upon approaching I saws down position, the belt 9 automatically becomes taut and imparts rotation to the saw l from the main shaft 3.

i In order to move'any one of the individual saws 1 out of cutting position by the/ use of the manual control, it isnecessary to move the lever 52 corresponding thereto,

in a clockwise direction, thereby permitting current to flow from the main line 30 through the wires31, contacts 72, 64, magnet 63, wires32, switch 12, wires 39, clutch 15 and wires 36. Upon release by the operator, the lever 52 is immediately returned to normal position by the spring 55. As the current flows through the magnet 63, the core thereof is energized and attracts the arm 7 O, holding the same to the left against the resistance ofthe spring 71. Upon-energization of the clutch 15, the movable clutch member48 is attracted by the'magnetic core 50 and a rotary driving motion is imparted to the hoisting drum 84. The rotation of the drum 84 causes the cable 16 to wind up on the drum and to raise the rod 7 and saw 1. During the upward movement of the saw 1 and rod 7, the collar 11 carried by the rod approaches the cross-plate of the switch 12 andeventually engages this plate and opens the switch, compressing the spring 43. As soon as the switch 12 is opened, the circuit through theclutch 15 is broken and the clutch member 48 is withdrawn from the core 50 by the springs 51, thus releasing the driving connection. The tension on the cable 16, due to the weight of the saw and attached parts, prevents further rotation of the drum 84 beyond that produced by the inertia of the moving elements. After coming to rest, the saw tends to return toward the table by gravity, such return being prevented by the clamping device 13 which almost instantly becomes effective in looking the saw in its upper posi-.

tion. As the saw 1 approaches the limit of its upward movement, the cushioning device on the rod 7 gradually arrests the movement of the saw and permits the same to assume its final position without chattering. Upon approaching saws up position, the belt 9 is automatically flexed, thereby releasing the driving connection with the power shaft 3. When the switch 12 is opened by the collar 11, the magnet 63 is automatically deenergized and permits the.

' spring 71 to become effective in returning close the switches 24, momentarily maintaining these switches there and stressing the spring 22. The opening of a switch 23 breaks the circuit through the magnet 66 and if the magnet has been previously energized, causes the same to release its hold upon the adjacent arm 70. This release of the arm permits the spring 71 to auto- I matically return the arm 70 to normal or mid position. The closing of a switch 24 automatically completes a circuit from the main line 30 through the wire 34, switch 25, wire 38, switch 24, wires 37 32, switch 12, wire 39, clutch 15 and wire 36, thus causing the clutches 15 to automatically raise those saws which are in saws down position at the end of a out.

It may be desirable. to prevent automatic raising of the saws 1, or any one of the saws, in which case the switch 25 corresponding to the saw to be afiected, is opened. This opening of the switch25 maintains the circuit through the clutch 15 open at all times except when the same is closed by manual actuation of the lever 52 and switch arm.

70. The desirability of such actuation may exist when the same saw is to be used for several successive cuts audit is not desired to have the saw leave the cut at anytime. The switches 25 would of course be located at some convenient point on the operators stand 28, preferably directly in front of the casing 62.

As disclosed in Fig. 7, the lower switches 12 return the arms 7 0 to mid position after setting of the saws into cutting position, these switches being made actuable by the rods 7 thus automatically returning the switch arms 70 to normal as soon as the saws are set. The lower switches 12 would in such a device, preferably be constructed similar to upper switches 12, the opening of which has a-simila-r effect upon the levers '70. It should also he noted that with the arrangement of levers 20 as disclosed, the operator will be prevented from positioning a saw into the cut at a time when the trail- 7 By permitting the actuating levers to automatically return to normal or mid position, these levers are at all times ready for direct actuation irrespective of the positions of prior setting of the saws or levers. Such return of the individual levers also permits ready positioning of the saws by means of the master and slasher switches.

If it is desired to simultaneously place all of the saws into cutting position, the master lever 54 must be moved in an anticlockwise direction causing the switch arm 70 to move in a clockwise direction and to connect the main line 30 with the wires 33 of each of the individual actuating devices through the wires 90, 9-3. This connection of the main line 30 with the wires 33, causes all of the saws 1 which are out of cutting position, toautomatically move into the out, while those saws which at the time of the master actuation were in the out, are un-.

70 to move in an anticlockwise direction and to connect the main line 30 with the wires 32 of each of the individual actuating devices through the wires 91, 92. This connection of the main line 30 with the wires mediately following a master actuation in which all of the saws are set 1nto cutting position, in all of the saws have been active the slasher lever 53 must be moved in an anticlockwise direction from normal position, causing its switch arm to move in a clockwise direction. and to simultaneously establish connections between the main line 30 and the wires .33 of the slasher saws through wire 93 and, wires 32 of the intermediate saws through wire 92. This disposition of the elements causes the current to actuate the saw setting devices of the slasher saws and to simultaneously actuate the devices of the intermediate saws which move these saws out of the out. If any of the saws 1 are properly set previous to the slasher setting, these saws are not afi'ected during the setting. After the slasher out has been taken, the slasher saws are moved out of the out either automatically by their corresponding levers 20, or may be so moved by actuation of the master lever 54.

While the actuating switches and some of the other elements are shown somewhat different in construction in Fig. 2 than they areshown in the remaining figures, it will be understood that the disclosure in the former figure is merely diagrammatic. The operation of the device as disclosed in the diagram is analogous to that disclosed in the elevation and details.

It will thus be noted that either individual, selective, or collective setting of the saws into either position may be efl'ected irrespective of the positions of prior setting as all of the actuating levers are automatically returned to normal or mid position at a predetermined time. Each of the individual levers 52may be thrown into a position corresponding to one setting of the saw, and, while the saw is still in motion as a result of such setting, the lever may :be thrown into the position corresponding to the opposite setting of the saw, the movement of the saw being immediately reversed upon the reversal of the lever actuation. By adjusting the positions of the levers 20, the timing of the,

automatic raising of the saws may be read ily varied, and the switches 25 provide simple means for entirely disengaging the automatic return devices. The arrangement of the driving belts and pulleys permits utilization of the main line power for raising the saws, thus eliminating the uncertainty of operation which accompanies devices actuated by fluid pressure. In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1, the use of direct mechanical power for raising the saws and the utilization of gravity for lowering the same, together with the automatic clamping means for retaining the saws in saws up or any intermediate position, provides a simple equipment and automatically prevents lowering ofthe sawsin case the power tails. By employing electrically'controlled devices for actuating the saws from the central point of control, the space between the operators stand and the saws may readily be kept free from obstructions to the operators view, as the electric wiring connecting the actuating levers with the controlling devices may be arranged to hug the walls and framing of the mill. By both rotating and set ting the saws by means of direct acting mechanical devices actuated from a common -main electrical line30, the energy losses are reduced to a minimum. 7

While the clutch 15 and clamping device 13 are disclosed as beingelectrically actuated, it will be noted that such actuation is not essential and that any other controlling power maybe utilized. It should be un erstood that it is not desired to be limited to the exact,.details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to' a person skilled in the art.

It should also be understood that theinvention is readily applicable to a trimmer saw equipment in which the saws are lo-] cated below the table, the saws being moved out of cutting position by the action of grav; ity thereon and being raised into cutting position by means of an electrically controlled clutch, see Fig. 7. In such an equipment it would robably be preferable to'employ two switc es similar to the switches. 12, for breaking the control circuits and restoring the switch arm 70 to neutralposition. In order to permit the use of a clutch 15, it would be desirable to provide idler pulleys or sheaves over which the direction of movement of the saw raising cable, one end of which is attached to the sawarm 2, may be reversed. The end of the cable which coacts with the reversing sheave in such a structure maybe attached to the upper end of the rod with which the clamping device 13 coacts. The lower end'of this rod is provided with a short length of cable which coacts with the clutch drum. The switches 12 are preferably located one on each side of the clamping device '13, the upper switch being in the circuit by means of which the clamping device 13 is actuated and the loWer switch being in the circuit by means of which the clutch is energized. The automatic switch 24 is located in a normally open circuitwhich connects with the main line 30and with the upper switch 12 in the clamping device circuit. The individual levers 52 would preferably be thrown in a clockwise direction in order to lower the saws out of the cut, andin an anti clockwise direction in order to raise the saws into the cut.

It will be noted that this equipment differs from that shown in that-the automatic switch actuates the solenoid 14 instead of th lectric clutch 15. The clamping device serves to hold the saws in cutting position, while in the arrangement disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2, the clamping device 13 serves to retain the saws out of cutting position. The clutch 15 of the under-hung trimmer serves to move the saws into cutting posit-io1i,while in the overhead trimmer this clutch serves to move the saws out of cutting position.

It will be seen that the manual and auto matic control of the saws 1 in the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 7 is analogous to that of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1. The master and slasher control devices are also readily applicable to the underhung trimmer.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent,

1. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for moving said saw into one of said two positions, an electro-magnetically actuated device for controlling said saw moving means, means for holding said saw in one of said two positions, an electro-magnetically actuated device for controlling said saW holding means, and switching means for said devices operable by the movement of said saw into one of said two positions.

2. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative to 'said table, an electric clutch device formoving said saw into one of said two positions, means comprising a solenoid device for holding said saw 1n one of said two positions, and a switch operable by the movement of said saw into one of said two positions, said switch comprising a portion of the circuit of one of said devices.

3. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out 0t cutting position relative to said table, an electric clutch for moving said saw out of cutting position, means comprising a solenoid for holding said saw out of cutting position, and a switch operable by the movement of said saw out of cutting position for interrupting the circuit ofsaid clutch.

4. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, hoisting means for moving said saw into one of said two positions, electro-magnetically actuated means for connecting said hoisting means with a source of power. a locking device'for holding said. saw in one of said two positions, electro-magnetically actuated means for operating said locking device, and means operable front a central point of control for controlling said electro-magnetically actuated means.

5. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative and means operable from a central point of control for controlling said clutch mechanism and said solenoid.

6. In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, an electric clutch device provided with a hoisting drum for moving said saw into one of said two positions, locking means for holding said saw in one of said two positions, a solenoid device for releasing said locking means, means operable from a central point of control for controlling said clutch and said solenoid devices, and a switch operable by the movement of said saw into one of said two positions for at least partially completing the circuit of one of said devices.

7 In combination with a table, a saw movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, an electric clutch provided with a hoisting drum for moving said saw out of cutting position. locking means for holding said saw out of cutting position, a solenoid for releasing said locking device, means operable from a central point of control for controlling said clutch and said solenoid, and a switch operable by the movement of said saw out of cutting position for interrupting the circuit of said clutch.

8. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, an actuating device for effecting individual setting of each of said saws, and means for returning each of saiddevices to a predetermined position upon completion of a cut.

9. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, an actuating device tor eflecting individual setting of each of said saws, and means for automatically returning all of said devices to a predetermined position at a predetermined time.

10. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, an actu ating device for effecting individual setting of each of said saws, and means for automatically returning each of said devices to mid position at a predetermined time.

11. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cut ting position relative to said table, an actuating device for effecting individual setting of each of said saws. electro-magnetically actuated means tor holding each of said devices in a predetermined position, and means for releasing said holding means and for returning said devices to mid position upon completion of a cut.

' 12. In combination. with a table, a pluvices in a predetermined. position of setting,

and means for interrupting the circuit of at least one of said holding-means at a predetermined time. I

13. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out'of cut- 3 ting position relative to said table, an actuating device for efiecting individual setting" of each of said saws, electro-magnetically.

actuated means for'holding each of saiddevicesin a predetermined position of setting,

and means for interrupting thecircuit of at least oneof saidholding imeans upon com.-

pletion of a cut.

14. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common to a plurality of said saws for rotating the same, and means operable directly by saidsaw rotating means for setting said saws into at least one of said two positions.

15. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common to a pluralityof said saws for rotating the same and hoistingmeans operable by said saw rotating means for setting said saws out of cutting position.

16. In combination with a table, a plurality" of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means commonthe to a plurality of said saws for rotating same, an electro-magnetically actuate vice operable by said saw rotating means for setting each of said sawsv into at least one of said two positions, and means operable from a centralpoint of control for effecting operation of said devices.

17. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movableinto and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common to a plurality of said saws for rotating the same, a device operable directly b said saw rotating means for setting each 0 said saws out of cutting position, and an electromagnetically actuated device for setting into operation each of said saw setting devices.

- 18. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting po sition relative to said table, means common to a plurality of said saws for rotating the same, means operable directly 'by said saw rotating means for setting said saws out of cutting position, and electrically controlled devices for eflfecting setting of said saws into cutting position.

19. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common to a plurality of'said saws for rotating the same, means operable directly by said saw rotating means for setting said saws into at least one of said two positions,'and electrically controlled means for efiecting setpositions.

21. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cuttin'g'po 'sition relative; to said table, means common I to a plurality of said saws for rotating the same, means operable directly by said saw rota-ting means for setting said saws into at least one of said two positions, and common means for actuating all of said saw setting means. I I

22. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative .to said table, means common to'a plurality of\ said saws for rotating the same, means operable directly by said saw rotating means for setting said saws into at least one of said two positions, and means for effecting simultaneous actuation of a predetermined allotment of said saw setting means. t v

23. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting positionrelative to said table, ineanscommon ting of said saws into the other-"of said two i to a plurality of said saws'for rotating the same, means operable directly by said saw rotating means for setting said saws out of cutting position, electrically controlled devices for effecting setting of said saws 'into cutting position, and common means for efi'ectingactuation of all of said devices.

24. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means common to a plurality of said saws for rotating the same, means operable directly by said saw rotating means for setting said saws into at least one of said two positions, means for eiiecting-setting of said saws into the other of said two positions, and means for eflecting simultaneous actuation of a predetermined said saw out of cutting position upon completion of a cut. I

26. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for effecting movement of a saw into cutting position, and means operable by a board for automatically moving said saw out of cutting position upon completion of a cut.

27. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting positionrelative to said table, means for ef fecting movement of a saw into cutting position, means for automatically moving said saw out of cutting position upon completion of a cut, and means for rendering said automatic means inoperative. 28. In combination withatable,aplurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for ef-. fecting setting of a saw into one of said two positions from a central point of control, and means associated with said table for automatically setting said saw into the other of said positions.

29. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for effecting setting of a saw into one of said two positions from a central point of control, means for automatically setting said saw into the other of said positions, and means at said central point of control for rendering said automatic means inoperative.

30. In combination with a table, a pinrality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for effecting movement of. a saw into cutting position,electro-magnetically actuated means for effecting movement of a saw out of cutting position, and a switch operable by a board for eii'ecting operation of said electromagnetically actuated means upon completion of a cut.

31. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for eiiecting movement of a saw into cutting position, electro-magnetically actuated means for effecting movement of a saw out of cut ting position, a switch operable by a board for efi'ecting operation of said electromagnetically actuated means upon completion of a cut, and means for rendering said switch ineffective.

32. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for effecting movement of a saw into cutting position, an electric clutch for effecting movement of a saw out of cutting position,

a switch operableby aboard for effecting operation of'said clutch upon completion of a cut, and means operable from a central point of control for rendering said switch ineffective.

33. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, a plurality of electro-magnetically actuated devices for setting said saws into one of said two positions, means set'into operation from a central point of control for efiecting actuation of said devices, and means for auto matically setting said saws into the other of said two positions.

34. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cut-- ting position relative to said table, an actuating device for setting at least one of said saws into either of said two positions, means for movlng said saw into one of said two positions upon acutation of said actuating decal means for setting each of said saws into at least one of said two positions, manual controlling means for said mechanical means, and means associated with said saws for automatically returning said controlling means to a predetermined position atthe end of a setting.

36. In combination ith a table, a plural-- ity of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, individual means for normally setting each of said saws into either of said two positions, means for effecting either selective or collective setting of said saws from any position of prior set-' ting, and means for automatically placing all of said saws in like positions at a predetermined time.

37. In combination with a table, a plurality of saws movable into and out of cutting position relative to said table, means for setting said saws into one of said two positions,

and means forautomatically placing all of i said saws in like positions at a predetermined time.

In testimony whereof, the signature of the inventor is affixed hereto in the presence of two witnesses.

\VILLIAM H. LIEBER. Witnesses:

H. 0. CASE, ROBERT E. SToLL.

v ting position relative to said table, mechani- 

